UFC News: Justin Gaethje Slams Dustin Poirier’s Case for Title Shot Against Islam Makhachev
Follow Us
Justin Gaethje isn’t happy with how the UFC lightweight division’s title opportunities are shaping up. Gaethje is set to take on Max Holloway for the BMF title at the historic UFC 300 card in April. However, with Dustin Poirier’s stunning performance at UFC 299, there has been a growing dialogue around ‘The Diamond’ deserving the next shot at champion, Islam Makhachev.
As such, speaking on his YouTube channel, UFC veteran and commentator, Michael Bisping revealed that Poirier may find himself in the mix for the title next. But his comments haven’t sat well with Gaethje who responded bluntly on social media to the scenario put forth by ‘The Count’!
Justin Gaethje shuts down the claim about the next UFC LW title challenger
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Dustin Poirier returned to the Octagon at UFC 299 after suffering a devastating knockout-out loss to Justin Gaethje in 2023, in their BMF title clash. And going into his fight against Benoit Saint-Denis, many were concerned about the Louisiana native’s chances in the fight against a dangerous prospect like Saint-Denis.
But with an impressive second-round finish of the Frenchman, Poirier shut down any concerns and highlighted what has kept him at the top of the 155 lbs division for so long. As such, speaking on his YouTube channel, Michael Bisping stated, “Dana always says let’s see how these fights play out because if somebody goes out there and gets a big victory, sets the arena on fire the way Dustin did, that can put you at the front of the line.”
Trending
“Lost That Advantage…Won’t Be Special” – Joe Rogan Gives Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Narrated Reality Check for Young MMA Fighters
May 19, 2024 11:49 AM EDT
Dana White & UFC Miss Out on $1.38 Billion Worth Achievement as Conor McGregor Awfully Falls Short of 3-Year-Old Feat
May 18, 2024 01:21 PM EDT
“What R U Doing” – Conor McGregor’s Training Footage With Dee Devlin Causes a Stir Among Fans Ahead of Michael Chandler Fight at UFC 303
May 19, 2024 06:42 AM EDT
“It’s a Wild One” – Joe Rogan Drops the Most “Interesting” JRE Episode Yet; Fans React to Terrance Howard’s Appearance
May 18, 2024 10:54 PM EDT
“Not Even Wrestling Anymore” – Joe Rogan’s Demand Find Ex-UFC Champ’s Support After Dana White Handed MMA Rule Change Request
May 20, 2024 06:58 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
He then went on to reveal that there’s a possibility that Ali Abdelaziz, Islam Makhachev’s manager, has already made it clear that their camp wants to take on Poirier next. Bisping went on to state, “I’m sure that if you’re Islam Makhachev and you watched that fight, that kind of challenge excites you.”
@bisping talking bollocks. https://t.co/GcQxIw9lzY
— Justin Gaethje 🇺🇸 (@Justin_Gaethje) March 11, 2024
The UFC veteran then concluded by saying, “Maybe the winner of [Charles] Oliveira vs [Arman] Tsarukyan fights Justin Gaethje, but I’m telling you right now don’t be surprised if they make [Poirier vs Makhachev]. Dustin Poirier deserves it, and at his age he’s running out of opportunities.”
However, Justin Gaethje, responded in the comments by stating, “@michaelbisping talking boll*cks”, highlighting his disagreement with the claims made by Bisping. As evidenced by Gaethje’s disagreement with Bisping’s analysis, the lightweight division is shaping up with multiple contenders vying for a shot at the title and everyone making their claim to take on the champ next.
But it’s not just Gaethje who doesn’t agree with the proposed matchup as a former UFC lightweight champion also highlighted his issues with the UFC’s decisions recently!
‘The Eagle’ slams the UFC for questionable matchmaking choices
Khabib Nurmagomedov has questioned the UFC’s decisions ahead of UFC 300! One of the most anticipated fights of the night will be between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway for the BMF title. But speaking with MMA Junkie, Nurmagomedov, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s friend and training partner, highlighted his confusion with the decisions with the matchmaking in the promotion.
He stated, “I don’t understand. It makes no sense why they don’t give Islam Justin Gaethje. Why they make him fight vs. Holloway?”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
‘The Eagle’ also emphasized that he believes Max Holloway should have faced Ilia Topuria next, instead of the fight against Gaethje. Nurmagomedov’s sentiments echo those of some fans who are uncertain about what these matchups mean for Makhachev.
The recent featherweight title claim by Topuria also adds further complexity to the situation. In conclusion, while Nurmagomedov is unsure about the UFC’s plans, he asserted that Makhachev is “ready to fight with anybody.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think about the lightweight title picture in the UFC? And is Dustin Poirier the next in line for a title shot instead of Justin Gaethje? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Edited by:
Joyita Das